12/13/01 American Dietetic Association applauds U.S. Surgeon General for issuing a “Call To Action” on obesity, urges nationwide commitment

American Dietetic Association applauds U.S. Surgeon General for issuing a “Call To Action” on obesity, urges nationwide commitment

December 13, 2001

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The American Dietetic Association applauds the Surgeon General for issuing a national call to action on Thursday, December 13, addressing the epidemic of obesity in the United States.

"ADA has been working closely with U.S. government agencies, the health, science and education communities, consumer advocacy groups, private industry and consumers to look for ways to reduce the prevalence of obesity in America, especially among children," said Washington, D.C., registered dietitian and ADA President Susan T. Borra.

"Obesity is the focus of a great deal of effort on the part of ADA and its members, dietetics professionals throughout the United States," Borra said. At ADA's recent 2001 Food & Nutrition Conference & Exhibition, one out of every 10 educational and scientific sessions was related directly to obesity.

Borra noted the national epidemic of obesity did not occur overnight and will take a number of years to reverse nationwide trends toward overweight adults and children. More than half of all adults are either overweight or obese and one in four children are either overweight or at risk of overweight.

"It's vital for all of these groups and individuals to form partnerships and work together. These efforts need to begin now, because it will take years to achieve and measure significant results," Borra added.

As part of a wide-ranging commitment to taking a leadership role in confronting obesity, ADA and the American Dietetic Association Foundation have developed ADA's "Healthy Weight for Kids" initiative. The program includes funding for scientific research and other ways in which ADA and dietetics professionals can best assist national efforts to address obesity in America.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.

For more information visit ADA's Web site at www.eatright.org.

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